During an event at Griffith Observatory, CAL OES Director Mark Ghilarducci and City Councilmember David Ryuat joined Chief Ralph Terrazas, to formally announce the arrival of the new fire engines.

“Our firefighters must have the resources they need to ensure the fastest response times possible when they receive a call for help, said Councilmember Ryuat. “These new fire engines will assist to further protect our beautiful wildland areas and the surrounding neighborhoods.”

According to a press release by the LAFD, “These new 4×4 off-road capable fire engines will be used as front-line and mutual-aid resources against brush fires and can assist in the event of catastrophic flooding form this winter’s predicted El Nino events.”

The LAFD further notes that the vehicles’ four-wheel-drive and off-road capabilities are valuable attributes for the foothills and urban-wildland interface throughout Los Angeles.

“The LAFD was honored to receive these new fire engines, and I know they’ll be a valuable fire suppression and rescue resource for all Southern Californians,” said Chief Terrazas. “Brush fires no longer have a traditional season in California and we stand ready to respond with Cal OES whenever the call comes in.”

CAL OES selected the LAFD to house all five Region I fire engines. As part of a contractual agreement with Cal OES, the new engines will be used to respond to mutual aid fire requests all around California with LAFD personnel whenever needed upon request.

Canyon News reached out to LAFD’s Public Service Officer Brian Humphrey via e-mail regarding the distribution of the new fire engines. He gave the following statement: “The vehicles are part of a statewide program overseen by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES). That agency procured the vehicles – built to CalOES specifications, in a competitive bidding process.”

“Cal OES is proud to assign these specialized engines to the Los Angeles Fire Department in support of the overall mission to protect life and property of all Californians,” said CAL OES Director Mark Ghilarducci. “Not only will these engines help with fire and rescue operations in the Los Angeles area, they will also enhance the capabilities of our robust State Fire mutual aid system.”

The new fire engines are expected to be housed at LAFD stations in Los Feliz and the San Fernando Valley and will be available for emergency responses throughout the city.